Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint of adults, both in the US and worldwide. The American Chiropractic Association reports that back pain is one of the most common excuses for work absenteeism in the US, and is the next to most common reason for doctor visits, second only to upper respiratory infections.
In its early stages, chronic LBP is often easy to ignore, but doing so may set you up for increased disability later on down the road. When you are experiencing pain in any part of your body, you are likely to compensate, either consciously or unconsciously, by shifting your weight and rearranging your posture. Postural compensation then puts strain on other structures in your body which can lead to gradual deterioration and more pain.
LBP Causes
Low back pain can have a number of causes, including:
- Poor posture
- Excessive sitting
- Physical deconditioning
- Weak core muscles
- Repetitive muscle overuse
- Deficient movement mechanics
- Inefficient lifting techniques
- Weakened or tight muscles leg muscles
When left untreated, LBP can create a vicious downward spiral of pain, deterioration and disability.
Traditional Treatment for LBP
Traditional treatment for LBP often involves pain medications and muscle relaxants that make you drowsy and can be addictive. Yet medications only mask pain, without getting at the source. Regardless of the underlying cause of LBP, it almost always involves inflammation that puts pressure on nerves, leading to pain.
For centuries, ice has been used successfully to treat chronic pain and inflammation. In fact, icing can be the most effective and expedient way of eliminating LBP. While icing is traditionally performed by either submerging a body part in ice water or applying an ice pack at the site of pain and inflammation, it can be uncomfortable, inconvenient and time-consuming.
Technology to the Rescue!
Thanks to modern innovations in technology, there is a better, more effective way to get the benefits of icing without the discomfort and inconvenience. Localized cryotherapy is a cutting edge treatment that speeds up and intensifies the effects of icing, reaping its benefits to the max.
During a localized cryotherapy session, an icy stream of chilled liquid nitrogen gas is directed to the site of your LBP for a short period of time. As skin and muscle tissues are subjected to extreme cold temperatures, your blood vessels constrict, shunting blood and inflammation away from the affected site, relieving pain and taking pressure off nerves.
In addition to reducing inflammation, cryotherapy stimulates the release of norepinephrine, a parasympathetic hormone that affects pain receptors, and endorphins, that help relieve pain and induce feelings of euphoria and wellbeing. Cold is also a hormetic stressor that can activate your body’s natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways.
Repeated cryotherapy sessions can help you manage your LBP so you can back to your busy active lifestyle.
Localized Cryotherapy in NYC
If you are experiencing low back pain, do not ignore it. Relief for your LBP is just a short visit away, at Advanced Cryo NYC’s spa-like clinic in trendy SoHo. The friendly clinicians at Advanced Cryo NYC are skilled at administering localized cryotherapy for muscle and joint pain. While visiting Advanced Cryo NYC, be sure to ask about our unique menu of other treatments and therapies for health, wellness and beauty.
